MEDEF visit to Doha
The Qatari Businessmen Association and HE Sheikh Nawaf Nasser Bin Khaled Al Thani, President of the Qatar French Business Club (QFBC), hosted the MEDEF delegation visiting Doha to a luncheon at W Hotel. This gathering followed a series of meetings with prominent national and French figures discussing ways to bolster the inter-countries business ties.
This is the second visit for the MEDEF delegation to Qatar. The envoy, led by Mr. Yves Thibault de Silguy, Chairman of VINCI Group & Chairman of the Council of France-Qatar Entrepreneurs in the MEDEF International, includes heads and representatives of some of the most notable global organizations such as Alcatel-Lucent, Alstom Holdings, AMA Architecture, Areva T&D, ARTEFACT Decoration, ATSP, Bouygues Batiment International, Bretagne International, CLE Millet International, Clifford Chance, CMA CGM, Colas Rail, Compagnie des Atelots, Degremont SA/ Suez Environnement, Dietswell, Electricite de France, EGIS SA, ESOPE International, FIVES, Gasal Filiale Air Liquide, GDF Suez, Groupe Banque Mondiale, Groupe LFP, Q Media Decaux, QDVC, S.J. Real Estate Consultants, SOGEM Energis Group, Soletanche Bachy, Streamcore, Systra Qatar, Thales, UGGC & Associes, Unanime Architectes.
The delegation was received by Mr. Gilles BONNAUD, Ambassador of France in Qatar, Mr. Alain BEUCLER, 1st Counsellor & Chargé d'Affaires, Mr. Michel DHÉ, Economic and Commercial Counsellor and members of the French Foreign Trade Advisors to discuss the business situation in Qatar and the bilateral relations between both countries. The delegation received an overview of the Qatari economy and the cornerstones of its success. Prior to the luncheon, MEDEF spoke to various Qatari ministers.
The Qatari side was represented in the business luncheon by a group of prominent Qatari businessmen and QBA members: QBA’s secretary general Mr.Issa Abu Issa,and QBA’s Board Members: Shk.Nawaf Bin Nasser Al Thani , Mr.Omar Hamad Al Mana , Shk.Hamad Bin Faisal Al Thani and QBA Members: Mr.Abdulhameed Mustafawi,Mr.Sherida Al Kaabi,Mr.Nasser Sulieman AlHaidar ,Mr.Maqboul habib Khalfan ,and Mr.Khalid Al Mannai.
On this occasion, HE Sheikh Nawaf said: “It is with great pleasure that we receive once again the MEDEF Delegation in Qatar. This is a testament to the country’s trust and belief in Qatar, its domestic business scene and its robust socioeconomic structure which have made it a model for development. In light of the financial crisis that has hit our world, we are proud to showcase to some of the globe’s leading businessmen the sustained growth of our economy which boasts solid business fundamentals. These meetings help foster productive relationship between countries; it also helps promote awareness of the key role that Qatar is now playing on a global front.”
HE Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman of the Qatari Businessmen Association said: “MEDEF’s visit constitutes a follow up stage in the activation of the MOU signed between the two parties during an earlier visit of MEDEF to Doha, for the purpose of establishing a practical framework for the development of stronger business relations between QBA and MEDEF. QBA’s participation in such events falls into its role in bridging the local Qatari business community with its counterparts abroad in the aim of enhancing economic relations and promoting investments and trade expansion.”
Launched on November 24 1999, and co chaired by Sheikh Nawaf Nasser Bin Khaled Al Thani and H.E. Claude de Kemoularia, former Ambassador of France to the United Nations, Qatar French Business Club (QFBC) aims to promote and consolidate commercial relationships between Qatar and France.
MEDEF International has a worldwide network and its current President is Laurence Parisot, also Director of the IFOP Poll institute and winner of Ordre National du Mérite.
The purpose of MEDEF International, which was established in 1990, is to provide foreign representation, defend the interests of and give a voice to all French companies, while meeting individual needs to the fullest extent.